Figural napkin rings were a Victorian innovation
Q. Enclosed is a photo of a silver napkin ring that I bought while traveling through West Virginia. The hen is attached to the side of the ring. Marked on the bottom are the words “Rogers and BNQ Triple Plated 267” — along with a clutched fist with 10 lightning bolts shooting out of the fist.
Any information or value would be appreciated.
A. Take another look at the mark on your silver plated napkin ring. The letters “BNQ” are actually “BRO.” Rogers and Brothers Manufacturing Company was located in Waterbury, Connecticut, from 1860 to 1976. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, there was a plethora of silver manufacturers with the name Rogers. Some were family related, and some were not. Records show the companies were founded, and then later some merged with others, and eventually some changed connections. The mark you described was used during the late 1800s. Napkin rings often with attached figures of animals were very popular in the Victorian era. In the pre-automatic washing machines, it was practical for each person to reuse his or her napkin. Each napkin was tucked in an individual's napkin ring after a meal was served to be used another day.
Your figural napkin ring would probably be worth $125 to $225.
Q. Enclosed is the mark that is on the bottom of a matching sugar bowl and cream pitcher. Each piece is shaped like a head of cauliflower with pink interiors, and both are in perfect condition. It originally belonged to my great-great-grandmother. She was married in 1888, and we think it was a wedding gift. It has been in the family ever since.
I plan to pass it along to my daughter and would like more information about the set. Anything you can tell me about its maker and value will be appreciated.
A. Your set is an example of Majolica. It was made by Griffen, Smith and Hill who were located in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, from 1879 to 1889. Majolica is a term for lead-glazed earthenware that was decorated in bright colors. Victorians found majolica ware extremely appealing. Pieces were inspired by shapes in nature and also the sea. Majolica ware was made by companies in both the United States and Europe. Along with sugar bowls and cream pitchers, there were coffee, tea and dinner sets made in the “Cauliflower” pattern.
Your set was made first made in 1880. A family heirloom majolica set similar to yours would have an insurance value of $400 to $500.
• Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters.
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